Research Module

Research Module is a rocket module used to conduct research to further progress on the tech tree and survey space mission destinations. It weighs 200 kg.

Usage
Each mission destination has five areas of research that can be surveyed once for 50 data banks each. Each research module can survey one area per trip. In addition to that, not all materials that can potentially be brought back with a cargo module are known beforehand, and are revealed as soon as areas marked with (!!) are researched. As rocket modules are calculated from top to bottom, in order to return newly discovered materials on the same launch that they are discovered, the research modules must be built above the cargo bays.

While the planet description talks about having Research Modules "installed", research modules will not be left behind, and can be re-used repeatedly. Once a planet has been completely surveyed, research modules will return with 10 data banks per module.

Research Modules will always provide 10 data banks each, this is IN ADDITION to the 50 data banks from the areas of interest.

Tips
The ideal composition for a research vessel is Command Capsule + 5x Research Module + whatever propulsion is currently available.
 * Steam Engine can get to 10,000 km.
 * Solid Fuel Thruster + Steam Engine can get to 20,000 km.
 * Petroleum Engine can get to 80,000 km by using Oxylite and to 130,000 km using Liquid Oxygen.
 * Hydrogen Engine can get anywhere with Liquid Oxygen.